Austin Powers, starring Mike Myers, Liz Hurley and Seth Green, was one of the most popular comedies of the 1990’s. The completely slapstick comedy and utterly ridiculous storylines only added to its appeal with fans of all ages as these quirky new characters and villains were unleashed onto the public.
The main star of the film is obviously Austin Powers himself, played by Mike Myers he is an ‘International man of mystery’ who despite his gaudy looks and terrible dress sense seems to be able to attract any woman he wants. He is brought back from the 1960’s to the 1990’s in order to battle against his arch nemesis ‘Dr Evil’ (also played by Myers) who wants to take over the world.
The whole film is a spoof of various different ‘Bond’ films and fans of the movies will have fun trying to spot the homage in each scene. Austin Powers is not only genuinely funny, but it was responsible for creating a whole range of catchphrases in the 90’s when it was released such as ‘Oh Behave!’ ‘Zip It’ and ‘Yeahhhh Baby!’
Mike Myers plays a variety of the lead characters himself with great supporting actors such as Robert Wagner and Seth Green having regular parts. There are dozens of memorable scenes in the film but I particularly like the way Seth Green playing Scott Evil suggests that rather than assume that Austin Powers will be killed behind a closed door in a pool filled with ill-tempered mutated sea bass, that they should just kill him immediately with a gun he has in his bedroom.? I also like Rob Lowe’s cameo, where they mourn the death of one of Doctor Evil’s henchmen.
Liz Hurley also stars, but possibly suffers from being Myers’ comic foil - he does get all the best lines, and she has to be all serious.
All in all ‘Austin Powers’ is a film that is worth watching and rewatching. It was recently shown on Film Four and is a perfect film to spend a couple of hours relaxing and laughing at blatant childish humour. Don’t forget to catch it when it is next showing. Those who haven’t already seen this film will be pleasantly surprised and those who have will relish the opportunity to watch it again!
Full Cast list for Austin Powers International Man of Mystery: Afifi Alaouie, Anastasia Sakelaris, Barbara Ann Moore, Ben Scott, Brazil Joseph Grisaffi III, Brian George, Bruno Campolo, Burt Bacharach, Carlton Lee Russell, Carrie Fisher, Charles Napier, Chekesha Van Putten, Cheri Oteri, Cheryl Bartel, Christian Slater, Cindy Margolis, Clint Howard, Cynthia Lamontagne, Daniel Weaver, Donna W. Scott, Douglas Aarniokoski, Elizabeth Hurley, Elwood Edwards, Elya Baskin, Erik Liberman, Fabiana Udenio, Gwenda Perez, Hannah Kozak, Heather Marie Marsden, Jim McMullan, Joann Richter, Joe Son, John Michael, John-Clay Scott, Kaye Wade, Kira Burt, Lana Antonova, Larry Thomas, Laura Payne-Gabriel, Lea Sullivan, Lois Chiles, Mark Bringleson, Matthew Sweet, Michael McDonald, Michael York, Mike Judge, Mike Myers, Mimi Rogers, Mindy Sterling, Monet Mazur, Neil Mullarkey, Patricia Tallman, Patrick Bristow, Paul Dillon, Rob Lowe, Robert Wagner, Robin Gammell, Sarah Christine Smith, Seth Green, Sterling Wolfe, Steve Monroe, Stuart D. Johnson, Susanna Hoffs, Ted Kairys, Tom Arnold, Tyde Kierny, Vince Melocchi, Will Ferrell.